With the 2009 season slowly winding down, it’s never too early to discuss the happenings in 2010. There are going to be some interesting stories, including which players hit free agency, which players will be cut and who is on the hot seat in terms of head coaches. I covered three running backs last week — Brian Westbrook, LenDale White and Jerious Norwood. This week, I would like to cover the last three that I really think will be looking for different teams next year. But remember, a change of scenery doesn’t necessarily mean a jump in fantasy value.
Willie Parker, Steelers: From 2005-2008, Fast Willie was money. But recently Parker has looked like a broken-down minivan. He has lost burst, and injuries have rattled him this year. Not only that, but a healthy Parker is slowly being phased out of the offense entirely, having lost his starting job to a healthy Rashard Mendenhall. There is close to no chance that the Steelers re-sign Parker in the offseason, but I don’t see another team giving him much of a shot at a starting job. Wherever he goes, he will likely be nothing more than a handcuff to the player that is starting for that particular team.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers: A lot of owners gambled on a healthy LT, and boy, were they disappointed. I’ll admit, I was one of those owners that took Tomlinson in the first round of our staff league, but I took him at No. 7, which in hindsight was a very bad move. But I had seen him ranked as high as No. 3 in PPR leagues, which is insane. What’s amazing is that LT was relevant as recent as last year, so the drop-off in 2009 is really amazing. What makes it even more amazing is that he has only nine receptions on the year, something unheard of in the past. I hate to say it, but this could be the last year we see Tomlinson in a Chargers uniform and in an NFL uniform. Tomlinson is due a $2 million roster bonus next offseason, which the Chargers most certainly won’t pay. He has also questioned his status as a player recently, although I am sure that may have changed after my Eagles made him look like a Pro Bowler again in Week 9. But I honestly think Tomlinson is headed for the running back scrap heap.
Chester Taylor, Vikings: I have saved the best for last. I truly think that out of all the players I listed, Taylor has the best chance at not only starting for a new team, but also upping his fantasy value again. Most owners don’t think about this, but Taylor is probably the freshest running back in the league. He barely got any playing time behind Jamal Lewis in Baltimore. And when he did get his shot at starting, he averaged close to 100 yards of total offense per game in his first year at Minnesota. Now starter Adrian Peterson is the guy in the offense, which has helped Taylor continue to keep his legs and body uninjured. So now that we know he can start in the league, expect Taylor to be the highest rated free agent in 2010. I don’t see the Vikings re-signing him, because they simply don’t need him. And Taylor will want to prove himself again. There were rumors that the Redskins may make Taylor a top signing candidate, but I hope not. That team is soon to be in rebuilding mode with the search for a new head coach, quarterback and offensive line. But in the end, those who have Taylor as a handcuff to Peterson may have fantasy gold once again.
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